The photos and videos shown here may be of a different model, model year or body type from the one selected. The ratings of one vehicle often apply to other models if they are built on the same platform. In addition, a test of a vehicle from one model year may apply to earlier or later model years if the vehicle hasn't been significantly redesigned.

Applies to 2002-06 models

Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The Nissan Altima was redesigned for the 2002 model year.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of the Altima in two 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into deformable barriers. In the first test, the airbag deployed late. This led Nissan to modify the airbag crash sensors on 2002 models produced after March 15, 2002 plus Nissan has initiated a service campaign to modify the sensors at its cost for the models produced earlier. The Institute tested a second Altima with the modified sensor, and the airbag inflated much earlier. Ratings of the Altima are based on the results of the second test, except structural performance is based on both tests.

Injury measures

In the second test, measures taken from the head, neck, chest, and right leg indicate low risk of injury to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the left tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible.

Restraints and dummy kinematics

Dummy movement was well controlled in the second test. The dummy rebounded into the seat without its head hitting any stiff structure that could cause injury. However, the driver's seat pitched forward slightly, tipped toward the door, and moved forward slightly on its inboard track, where the safety belt buckle is anchored.

The Nissan Altima was redesigned for the 2002 model year. Beginning with 2005 models, door changes were made to improve occupant protection in side-impact crashes. (Nissan reported that these door changes would not significantly affect side-impact performance in models without side airbags; therefore, the overall side impact rating for 2002-05 models without side airbags is the same.)

When side airbags are optional, as in this vehicle, the Institute conducts the test without this option. If a manufacturer offering optional side airbags requests the Institute to conduct an additional test of a vehicle with this option and agrees to reimburse the cost of the vehicle, a second test is conducted. Nissan did not request such a test.

Injury measures

Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that serious skull fracture and/or brain injuries and neck injuries would be likely in a crash of this severity. A fracture of the pelvis also would be likely. Rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries plus a left femur fracture would be possible.

Passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that serious neck injuries would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.

Head protection

Driver — The dummy's head was hit by the intruding barrier, producing high head injury measures.

Passenger — The dummy's head hit the window sill of the rear passenger door, producing moderately high neck injury measures. Hitting the window areas should be prevented.